IRVINE LAKE SIZZLES INTO OCTOBER MODE; TROUT SEMINARS SLATED FOR OCT. 13, OCT. 27, NOV. 1, NOV. 10
by Steve Carson
10-6-2011
714-649-9111
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When October arrives, Irvine Lake's catfish population kicks into overdrive, and this week's action was excellent, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "It was catfish fishing at it's finest", quipped Getty. "When the pre-frontal conditions moved in over the weekend, it was wide-open. The fish are moving deeper and fattening up for the winter. Presenting baits at 10 to 30 feet in Sierra Cove, Boat Dock Cove, and along the west shore was the best bet. The slight drizzle on Wednesday has closed the lakeside roads, but they will definitely be open by the weekend."
Getty added, "We are getting very excited about the upcoming Trout Season Opener, which will be Friday, November 4. Irvine Lake Pro Team leader Marlon Meade will be conducting free trout fishing seminars at Sport Chalet in Torrance on Oct. 13, Sport Chalet in Brea on Oct. 27, Sav-On Tackle in Santa Fe Springs on Nov. 1, and Sport Chalet in Mission Viejo on Nov. 10."
Most of the catfish on the stringers were plump 2 to 7-pounders, with a very nice mixture of quality-grade whiskerfish from 8 to 17 pounds. Hotspots for catfish included Sierra Cove, Boat Dock Cove, the west shoreline, and Santiago Flats. Productive baits were mackerel, shrimp, bonito, and skipjack.
Bass anglers found steady action on their quarry, although the fish seem to be edging deeper in the water column. Largemouth in the 2 to 7-pound range were found from 10 to as much as 45 feet. Dropshot-rigged plastics, jigs, and Carolina-rigged plastics fished at Rocky Point, the Red Clay Cliffs and the west shore were the best bass producers. A handful of hybrid striped bass to 8 pounds were caught incidentally in the pursuit of catfish.
Very few crappie or trout anglers ventured out this week, but bluegill and redear were plentiful on mealworms. Families with children age 12 and under found the Kids Lagoon to be slow, due to low water for weed removal in preparation for the Trout Season opener. The main lake water level is holding steady, with the surface temperature at 74-76 degrees. Clarity is moderate at 5 to 7 feet.
For anglers planning ahead, the 2011-12 Trout Season Opener will be Friday, November 4. The lake will be closed to the public Monday through Thursday, October 31 through November 3. Call the Pro Shop for information about the special limited-entry "VIP Fishing Day" on Thursday Nov. 3.
Most of the catfish on the stringers were plump 2 to 7-pounders, with a very nice mixture of quality-grade whiskerfish from 8 to 17 pounds. Hotspots for catfish included Sierra Cove, Boat Dock Cove, the west shoreline, and Santiago Flats. Productive baits were mackerel, shrimp, bonito, and skipjack.
Bass anglers found steady action on their quarry, although the fish seem to be edging deeper in the water column. Largemouth in the 2 to 7-pound range were found from 10 to as much as 45 feet. Dropshot-rigged plastics, jigs, and Carolina-rigged plastics fished at Rocky Point, the Red Clay Cliffs and the west shore were the best bass producers. A handful of hybrid striped bass to 8 pounds were caught incidentally in the pursuit of catfish.
Very few crappie or trout anglers ventured out this week, but bluegill and redear were plentiful on mealworms. Families with children age 12 and under found the Kids Lagoon to be slow, due to low water for weed removal in preparation for the Trout Season opener. The main lake water level is holding steady, with the surface temperature at 74-76 degrees. Clarity is moderate at 5 to 7 feet.
For anglers planning ahead, the 2011-12 Trout Season Opener will be Friday, November 4. The lake will be closed to the public Monday through Thursday, October 31 through November 3. Call the Pro Shop for information about the special limited-entry "VIP Fishing Day" on Thursday Nov. 3.
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The bass and catfish population at Irvine Lake remained active this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "Catfish anglers found a pretty steady bite, although the fish are slowly moving down in the water column. As autumn gets closer, look for the best depths to be around 15 to 25 feet. Bass fishing is also very good, and the more experienced anglers are getting some really nice fish." Getty added, "We are getting pretty excited about the upcoming...... Read More
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